The Silent Exodus

Check out this video on the expulsion of Jews from Arab lands. Shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel most of the Arab states expelled their Jews. Today there are almost no Jews left in Arab lands. This expulsion ended a long tradition of persecution of Jews. (More on this topic can be found on the COJS website. See Jewish Refugees from Arab Lands.)

6 Comments on “The Silent Exodus”

This is an odd thing to say, Hadassah. It is well known that Jews were persecuted in the Christian lands of Europe, and sought refuge in the Muslim lands, where they received protection and posts in the government.

Could you kindly explain what persecution you are referring to? Have you researched twentieth century history at any depth?

Muslim law includes an idea called “dhimmitude” in which Jews and Christians – people of the Book – are considered inferior to Muslims. The laws of the Muslim lands prohibited Jews from riding horses, building a synagogue which would be taller than a mosque etc. They were made to wear special garments in some places and required to get off their donkeys when a Muslim passed. Eventually they were expelled from Iraq, Egypt, Lybia usually without their possessions.

A mosque was recently build in Cologne. The planning permission stated explicitly that it was not allowed to be higher than the highest church spire. It could be the same but not higher. They build the mosque higher anyway and because of fear of ‘political correctness’ (especially given Germany’s history) nobody said anything.